Handle bag construction and closure therefor



3,493,166 HANDLE BAG CONSTRUCTION AND CLOSURE THEREFOR Filed June 15, 1967 Feb. 3,1970 w. P. SMITH ET Al- 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Walter P Smith Frank J. Rock I W, Fatwa/1544 Attorneys Feb. 3, 1970 w. P. SMITH ET AL 3,493,166

HANDLE BAG CONSTRUCTION AND CLOSURE THEREFOR Filed June 15, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Walter P Smith BY Frank J. Rack Attorneys Feb. 3, 1970 w. P. S M ITH ET AL 3,493,166 HANDLE BAG CONSTRUCTION AND CLOSURE THEREFOR Filed June 15, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS Walter P Smith y Frank J. Rack Attorneys United States Patent M US. Cl. 229-54 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A handle bag construction having a foldable bag mouth closure flap which is interengageable with the bag handle. The bag includes an overlapped seam which defines a substantial part of the width of a bag Wall for its full length. In one embodiment, the closure flap includes ear structures interlockable with two opposite walls, and a tab cooperable with the bag handle, which maintain the flap fiat against another wall when the bag is closed with the handle extending through a slit provided therefore. The area surrounding the slit is reinforced to resist tearing, such reinforcement being provided by the material which defines the overlapped seam.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-impart of copending application Ser. No. 512,383, entitled Handle B-ag Construction filed Dec. 8, 1965 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates to the field of containers, particularly collapsible and expansible bag type containers which have a carrier handle integral therewith. More particularly, this invention relates to a re-usable carrier bag construction which includes a reinforced closure fiap which is fold-able to close off the bag mouth and which is interengageable with the carrier handle when closed. One embodiment of the bag includes means in conjunction with the closure flap to hold the flap flat against a bag wall to thereby provide a neat, compact and stylish package when closed.

Description of the prior art Various types of handle bags have been known in the art heretofore. However, such bags frequently make no provision to close off the bag month. As a result, the contents of such bags are not protected from theft or loss, and such contents are readily visible to others. Such bags also leave much to be desired from the standpoint of nea-tness and appearance. The patent to Bert-in, No. 1,432,150, dated Oct. 17, 1922, is characteristic of such type of handle bag.

Other types of handle bags also have been generally known which do include foldable closure flaps for closing off the bag mouth. The British patent to Challenger, No. 58-56, accepted Jan. 15, 1914, is characteristic of such type of handle bag in which a handle is insertable through a slit provided therefor when the flap is folded over to c-loss off the bag mouth. However, such known type bags make no effective provision to reinforce the bag in the area of the handle accommodating slit and, as a result, tearing of the bag frequently occurs during use.

While some later handle bag developments have attempted to correct the shortcomings of the earlier art by providing a closure flap and reinforcing the bag in the 3,493,166 Patented Feb. 3, 1970 area of the handle accommodating slit, such attempts heretofore have been directed to applying a separate reinforcing strip or panel to the bag. The Wolf Patent No. 2,237,324, dated Apr. 8, 1941, is characteristic of such type of bag.

However, none of the prior art of which we are aware includes means for reinforcing the closure flap of a handle bag and the area thereof surrounding the handle accom- .modating slit which is defined entirely by the material from which the bag is formed so that a separate reinforcing step is not required during manufacture thereof. Nor does the prior art disclose satisfactory means for maintaining a bag mouth closure flap fiat against a bag wall during use.

The handle bag of this invention is provided with an interengageable carrier handle and a tear resistant bag mouth closure flap which cooperate with each other to provide a novel carrier bag, the mouth of which is maintained neatly and positively closed. Also, the closure flap of the subject bag, when closed, is held flat to impart a compact and stylish appearance to the bag while fully protecting its contents. To the best of our knowledge, the specific features of this invention which cooperate to define the improved handle bag construction disclosed in detail hereinafter have been unknown prior to our invention thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to :a container construction. More particularly, this invention relates to a collapsible and expansible re usable carrier bag construction which includes a graspable handle and a foldable closure flap which is selectively positionable across the mouth of the bag so that the bag contents may be completely enclosed within the bag. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a stylish handle bag construction having a fold-able bag mouth closure flap cooperable with the handle thereof, such bag including slit means through which the bag handle is receivable when the flap is folded to close olf the bag month.

In this connection, the bag construction of this invention includes integral means formed from the material of the bag itself for reinforcing the bag in the area surrounding the handle accommodating slit thereof to greatly minimize and substantially obviate the possibility of tearing in the vicinity of the slit during use of the bag. The handle accommodating slit is located in the bag for most effective use thereof, and preferably such slit is specially contoured at its ends to further minimize the possibility of bag tearing during use,

In a modified embodiment, the bag mouth closure flap is provided with improved means in conjunction therewith for holding the flap flat against the bag when closed to further enhance the neat and stylish appearance of the bag.

Handle bags of the subject type are well adapted for use by shoppers in department and grocery stores to receive a wide variety of contents therein. The subject bag construction, particularly when properly decorated with attractive decorative designs, provides a highly desirable and stylish packaging container well suited for distribution by prestige business establishments. As will be descibed, the preferred bag construction illustrated is provided with a generally rectangular cross section when the same is expanded for use, and therefore closely resembles a rectangular handle box, and is particularly well suited for receiving mens and ladies clothing purchased at leading department and clothing stores. Of course it should be understond that the utility for this bag is not restricted to any particular field and that the novel features thereof are not restricted to inclusion in bags having only a generally rectangular cross section as illustrated. That is, the inventive features of this bag construction make it well suited for the numerous and varied uses to which more conventional handle bags and boxes have been employed heretofore. Its adaptability to particular uses will vary depending upon its size.

In addition to its stylish appearance, the foldable closure flap and interlocking handle construction of this bag provide the important advantages of maintaining private the bags contents as well as discouraging and greatly minimizing, if not completely eliminating the possibility of theft or loss of any of the contents while the bag is being carried by its owner. In this regard, the important and novel features of this bag construction are incorporated therein without appreciably increasing the cost thereof in comparison to handle bag constructions heretofore available which do not provide the structural advantages and stylish appearance provided by this invention. The cost of production of this bag construction is maintained at a minimum because it may be produced on generally conventional bag making machines utilizing standard bag making materials, such as sturdy heavyduty paper or paper board, which is well suited to receive theron advertising or decorative designs determined by the end use intended for the bag.

In this regard, it is very important that means resist ant to tearing are provided in the vicinity of the handle accommodating slit which do not require the addition of separate reinforcing strips and the like in those areas of greatest stress surrounding the slit. By so doing, no special machinery is required during bag manufacture and bag unit cost accordingly may be kept to a minimum by use of generally conventional machinery.

Reinforcement of the subject bag in the areas requiring such reinforcement is provided by tear resisting means formed wholly integral with the bag construction which is defined entirely by the material of the bag itself. That is, the need for extraneous reinforcing means is obviated by forming one of the bag walls with an integral overlapped seam which extends the full length of the wall and which defines a substantial portion of the width thereof. Such overlapped seam is of at least two-ply or double thickness throughout its extent and, in a mod-ified embodiment, is selectively formed of triple ply thickness for maximum tear resistance.

While overlapped seams have been broadly known in the bag art heretofore, such known seams were usually formed with the most narrow width possible, sufiicient only to maintain the bag assembled for use, so that a maximum savings in bag materials could be effected. However, with this invention, an extra wide overlapped seam is provided which defines a substantial are-a of the total width of the bag wall" for its full length. In this connection, the exact width of the overlapped scam in proportion to the overall width of the bag wall may vary depending upon the size and end of intended for a particular bag.

By way of example, in widely utilized embodiments of the invention, such overlapped seam comprises a major part of the bag wall, such as one-quarter to one-third, or more, of the total width of the bag wall, as seen in the embodiments shown in the attached drawings. By way of further example, in bags of very :large size, such as bags having wall widths of twelve to twenty-four inches, the width of the overlapped seam preferably is at =least approximately six inches, but the exact seam width employed is cor-related to the size of the handle used with a particular bag. To insure the desired maximum reinforcing effect, such overlapped seam extends into and through the fold-able closure flap which is hingedly connected with the bag wall in which such overlapped seam is formed.

In a modified embodiment, further selective reinforcement is effected by forming the overlapped seam with an additional integral thickness ply, at least adjacent the lateral margins thereof. Such additional reinforcing thickness is provided without requiring substantial amounts of additional material and without detracting from the ability of the bag to be produced on generally conventional bag making machinery.

If a rectangular configuration is to be imparted to the bag, the same is formed with a pair of two opposed rectangular major walls, one of which includes the aforementioned overlapped seam therein, and a pair of two opposed rectangular minor walls which lie between and interconnect the opposed major walls. A folded-over bottom also is provided integral with the respective bag walls, and such bottom, and the two minor walls, preferably are collapsible to permit the bag to be folded for shipment and storage when not in actual use. While a conventional folded-over bottom has been illusltr-alted, it should be understood, of course, that other known collapsible bottom structures also may employed if preferred.

The bottom, when expanded, is generally flat, and rectangular and a rectangular cross section is thereby imparted to the 'bag when expanded to receive contents therein. The overall size and rectangular dimensions of the bag may be varied within wide ranges to satisfy wide packaging requirements.

In a modified embodiment disclosed herein, improved means is provided in conjunction with the closure flap to hold such flap flat in engagement with one of the major walls of the bag. As will be described, such means comprises ear structures on opposite ends of the flap which are in-terfiable with the side walls of the bag when the flap is closed. In this connection, the handle accommodating slit is preferably formed in such one major wall to define a generally rigid tab which also forms part of such means and further assists in holding the closure flap fiat when closed, as described in detail hereinafter.

From the foregoing it should be understood that objects of this invention, among others, include the provision of an improved container construction; the provision of a carrier bag construction having a flap foldable across the mouth thereof to close off such mouth; the provision of a collapsible handle bag construction having a foldable bag mouth closing flap provided in conjunction with the handle thereof, which includes handle accommodating slit means in conjunction therewith; the provision of a handle bag construction which includes integral means for reinforcing the handle accommodating slit to minimize the possibility of bag tearing; the provision of means at opposite ends of a handle accommodating slit of a carrier bag to minimize the possibility of bag tearing; the provision in a carrier handle bag construction of means for reinforcing a foldable bag mouth closure flap without employing a separate reinforcing strip in the vicinity of a handle accommodating slit provided in the bag; and the provision of improved means in conjunction with the mouth closure flap of a handle bag to maintain such flap flat against a bag wall when closed. These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following description in which reference is directed to the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views, partially cut away, of one embodiment of the subject bag construction, looking from opposite sides thereof, showing the bag partially expanded from its collapsed condition and with its mouth fully open.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bag construction of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the same fully expanded with the foldable closure flap thereof positioned to close off the bag mouth.

FIG. 4 is a partial vertical sectional view of the fully expanded bag construction taken in the plane of line 44 of FIG. 3 which illustrates details of the interfitting closure flap and handle thereof.

FIG. 5 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken in the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 1 showing details of the handle construction provided thereon.

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding generally to the upper portion of FIG. 1 which illustrates a modified embodiment of the subject bag construction in the expanded and open condition and which shows the improved means provided in conjunction with the bag mouth closure flap for maintaining the same flat against a bag wall when closed.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding generally to FIG. '6 but which illustrates the modified construction in the eX- panded and fully closed condition in which the closure flap is held snugly against the bag wall which it overlies.

FIG. 8 is a partial vertical sectional view of the modified construction taken in the plane of line 88 of FIG. 7 which illustrates details of the reinforcement provided by the overlapped seam.

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the modified construction looking in the direction of line 9-9 of FIG. 7 which illustrates the interlock between the closure flap and the bag minor walls.

FIG. 10 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken in the plane of line 10-10 of FIG. 6 further showing details of the reinforcement provided by the overlapped seam.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As seen in the attached drawings, a first embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIGS. 15 comprises a first pair of opposed major bag walls, designated 1 and 2, between which a second pair of collapsible opposed minor bag walls, designated 3 and 4, are positioned. A conventional folded-over bottom, generally designated '6, completes the body of the bag, and such bottom is collapsible and expansible in known fashion, as are the opposed minor bag walls 3 and 4, so that the bag may be collapsed when not in use for ease of shipment and storage. In this latter regard, each of bag walls 3 and 4 is provided with a longitudinal crease line 7 which permits the walls to be folded inwardly between the opposed major bag walls 1 and 2 when the bottom 6 is collapsed. The bag bottom is formed by a reversely folded portion, which is adhesively secured to wall 2 as seen in FIG. 2, and is expansible in known fashion to the generally flat expanded condition seen in FIG. 3.

The upper margin of each of major wall 1 and minor walls 3 and 4 is defined by the folded upper edge 8 of a downwardly turned panel 9 which extends along the three walls mentioned adjacent the tops thereof. The other major wall 2 is free of such a downwardly folded panel and instead is provided with an integral foldable bag mouth closure flap 11 which is hingedly connected along a predetermined hinge line 12 which defines the upper margin of bag wall 2. Closure flap 11 is selectively foldable about hinge line 12 to close off the mouth of the bag defined by the opposed bag walls as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. As mentioned previously, this foldable flap construction imparts desirable privacy and theft-proof and loss-proof characteristics, as well as a stylish appearance, to the subject invention.

The bag of this invention is designed to be made from a single piece of material formed into a closed ended col lapsible tube as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 on known bag making machinery. In this regard, at most only a slight modification to such conventional machinery, made necessary by the inclusion of an extra-wide overlapped seam hereof and the formation of a handle accommodating slit, is required to permit manufacture of the subject bag thereon. The fact that bags of this invention may be produced in quantity on generally known machines with minimal modifications thereof permits such bags to be produced with their improved characteristics at an inexpensive cost compared to other carrier bags which seek similar advantages to those possessed by this invention.

In this regard, the tubular condition is imparted to the bag by an overlapped seam 13 of at least two ply double thickness which extends the full length of the major bag wall 2 into and through the foldable flap 11 as seen in FIG. 2. This overlapped seam is formed with a width not heretofore employed in bags to produce the important advantages described. As mentioned, the overlapped seam extends into the foldable flap 11 and a portion 14 thereof comprises a direct continuation of the seam portion which forms part of the wall 2. It is the extra wide overlapped seam which provides the desired integral reinforcement for the foldable flap and the handle accommodating slit provided therein.

In this connection, overlapped portions 16 and 17 of the major bag wall 2, as seen in FIG. 2, define the overlapped seam and are maintained positively secured to each other, preferably by areas of adhesive which extend the full length of the bag wall 2 and into through the bottom 6 and foldable flap 11. While such areas of adhesive may form one continuous strip of adhesive throughout the full length and width of the seam, preferably, to conserve adhesive material and to thereby reduce bag unit cost, two laterally spaced areas of adhesive 18 and 19 are employed which lie adjacent the lateral margins of the seam defined by the free longitudinal margins of the overlapped wall portions 16 and 17.

Means to accommodate a carrying handle are provided in conjunction with the foldable flap and such means comprises an elongated slit 21 provided adjacent the top of the bag wall 2. In the embodiment of FIGS. l-5, slit 21 is formed preferably directly in and extending along the line of hinged connection 12 by means of which the foldable flap 11 is secured to the bag wall 2. Preferably obliquely extending generally arcuate cuts 22 and 23, each formed generally in the shape of a half moon, are formed at opposite ends of the slit 21 and extend into the fold able flap 11 generally back towards each other, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Such cuts cooperate with the reinforcing overlapped seam to preclude tearing of the foldable flap and its adjacent bag wall structure during repeated use of the flap to close off the mouth of the bag construction.

An important feature of this invention resides in the fact that the handle accommodating slit 21 and the as sociated cuts 22 and 23 provided at its opposite ends lie entirely within and are bounded by the confines of the double thickness overlapped seam. The opposite slit ends and cuts further lie entirely within the confines of the adhesive areas 18 and 19 (FIG. 2) which maintain the overlapped wall portions 16 and 17 together in the overlapped seam.

Thus the adhesive of the seam provides desirable stiffening and reinforcement adjacent the slit ends which cooperate with the double thickness of the seam to resist unwanted enlargement of the slit and tearing of the fiap and bag wall in the vicinity thereof. In this regard, the cuts provided at the opposite ends of the slit define a bendable flap portion 25 (FIGS. 3 and 4) which permits the slit to more easily accommodate the bag handle without bag tearing when the handle is inserted through the slit and the handle is folded over to close off the bag mouth, and vice versa when the bag mouth is uncovered.

The handle employed is generally of conventional construction and is defined by an inverted U-shaped loop of fibrous or plastic material 26 having opposite ends 27 and 28 anchored to the bag wall 1. Such handle ends 27 and 28 are spaced from each other, and from the longitudinal centerline of wall 1, a predetermined distance, determined in accordance with the overall size of the bag. Anchoring of the handle is effected by securing the bag ends 27 and 28 by staples 29, or equivalent means, to an elongated strap 31 which extends for a substantial lateral distance across the wall 1 adjacent the upper margin thereof as seen in FIG. 1. Strap 31 is interposed between the upper marginal portion of wall 1 and the downwardly folded panel 9 which lies internally of the bag along three walls 1, 3 and 4 thereof. Such strap is preferably adhesively secured in place between panel 9 and wall 1 and may be applied to the bag by conventional machinery in known fashion, or by hand, during a standard manufacturing operation. The upper folded margin 8 of bag wall 1 is provided with a central elongated slit 32 through which the handle loop 26 may extend above the wall margin as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The aforementioned handle accommodating slit 21 provided in conjunction with foldable closure flap 11 is aligned with the handle loop provided on opposed bag wall 1, and such slit 21 has an over-all length generally corresponding to the predetermined over-all spacing of the opposed handle ends 27 and 28 from each other at the upper margin 8 of bag wall 1. Thus, the size of the handle generally determines the length of slit 21, which in turn generally determines the width of the overlapped seam 13. As seen in FIG. 3, the handle receiving slit 21 accommodates the handle 26 closely therein and the arcuate cuts 22 and 23 generally receive the opposed handle ends therein.

As described previously, by providing the ends of the slit with the arcuate cuts, the flap portion 25 more readily accommodates the handle without bag tearing. Furthermore, by forming the arcuate cuts wholly within adhesive areas 18 and 19 within the double thickness overlapped seam of the bag, desirable reinforce-ment and tear resistance is imparted to the subjected bag construction without requiring the addition of a separate reinforcing strip K or similar means to the bag in the vicinity of the handle receiving slit. Thus, the subject bag may be produced on conventional machinery with minimal modifications thereto and without requiring the addition of separate and expensive flap reinforcing strips or other means thereto in separate manufacturing operations which would require either special machinery or substantial modification of known machinery.

The extra wide overlapped seam 13 provides the effective reinforcement desired and the slight additional bag unit cost due to additional material required by the extra width of the overlapped seam is minimal compared to the additional cost which would be encountered if a separate reinforcing strip or other special reinforcing means were applied to the bag in the vicinity of the handle accommodating slit 21.

In the modified embodiment of the bag of this invention shown in FIGS. 69, provision is made to insure more positive closure of the bag mouth than is possible with the embodiment seen in FIGS. 15. That is, while the embodiment already described is highly effective for many uses and is highly superior to handle bag constructions heretofore available, under certain circumstances it has been found desirable to hold the bag mouth closure flap more securely in contact with the major bag wall which it overlies when closed. To this end, improved means is provided in conjunction with the closure flap which is capable of releasably holding the flap flat against such bag wall when the flap is closed. Such means, as will be described, is includable in the modified embodiment without jeopardizing the other important features of the invention already described. Also, further enhanced reinforcement for the bag in the area surrounding the handle accommodating slit also may be provided as illustrated with the modified embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 69, reference numerals corresponding to those employed in FIGS. 15 are employed to designate corresponding portions of the bag construction. Modified features incorporated into the modified embodiment are identified by corresponding reference numerals primed.

By way of summary, the modified embodiment of FIGS. 6-9 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 15 in three principal respects: first, the handle accommodating slit 21 is provided in the bag in a slightly different location; second, ear structures 11 are provided at opposite ends of the closure flap 11 which are interengageable with the minor walls 3 and 4 of the bag to maintain the closure flap fiat when closed; and third, the overlapped seam 13' is provided with at least one additional reinforcing ply at least adjacent its lateral margins. Relocation of the handle accommodating slit as described provides a generally rigid elongated tab 25' which projects away from the hinge line of the flap and which cooperates with ear structures 11' in maintaining closure flap 11 in fiat overlying contact with wall 1 when closed. The additional thickness of the overlapped seam further enhances the tear resistance of the bag during use.

Ears 11' are formed from portions of the inwardly and downwardly turned panel 9 which is adhesively secured to the inner surfaces of walls 1, 3 and 4 as described previously. That is, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, and in contrast to the construction shown in FIGS. 1-5, panel 9 is formed in this modified embodiment so that it extends less than the full width across minor walls 3 and 4 along the top margins thereof. The portions thus separated from the downwardly folded panel 9 remain adhered to and form integral extensions of closure flap 11.

In this regard, it should be understood that panel 9 and closure flap 11 are integral with each other and together define the upper margin of the sheet or blank from which the bag is formed. It should be noted also that ears 11' remain hingedly connected to the upper margins of the minor walls 3 and 4 along extensions 12 of hinge line 12 and form integral extensions of such walls, Thus cars 11' are interposed between and operatively interconnect closure flap 11 with the minor walls 3 and 4 to insure secure engagement of the closure flap with the outer surface of major wall 1 when the ears are positioned as intended.

To this end, after closure fiap 11 is folded over the bag mouth and the handle 26 is positioned through slit 21' provided therefor, ears 11 are tucked into the V- shaped depressions formed by the collapsible and expansrble minor sidewalls 3 and 4. When thus positioned, the ears positively hold the closure flap down fiat against the surface of wall 1 which it overlies. The interlocked engagement between the ears and the folded edges of the minor walls 3 and 4 is quite secure, due to the fact that the ears are hingedly and integrally connected to both the closure flap and such walls 3 and 4. The condition of the ears when tucked in place is best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9.

In the absence of such ears, a tendency had been noted, depending upon the bulkiness of the contents of the bag, fonthe closure flap to stand away or project from the ma or wall 1 which it overlies when the bag is closed. Such tendency is positively obviated by the improved closure means of FIGS. 6-9. Because no additional material is required to form the ears, unit bag cost is not increased by the addition thereof to the bag, nor is special machmery required.

Maintenance of the closure flap 11 in fiat contact with wall 1 is further enhanced by relocating the handle accommodating slit 21' in a different location but one which is still adjacent fold line 12. By moving such slit from the hinge line 12 inwardly into major wall 2 of the bag to extend straight and generally parallel to but spaced slightly from hinge line 12 (FIG. 6), the aforementioned tab 25 is provided. Tab 25' projects upwardly from the flap 11 when the same is folded. Thus, when handle 26 is positioned through slit 21 and closure flap 11 is folded down, such tab engages one surface of the opposite portions of the handle, as best seen in FIG. 8. Thus, any tendency of the closure flap to move upwardly from the position shown is further resisted by the inherent rigidity of the tab 25'. Because the tab lies entirely within the increased thickness provided by the overlapped seam 13' which extends the length of the bag, its rigidity is enhanced by such increased thickness. Also, as seen in FIG. 6, the cuts 22' and 23 which define opposite ends of the slit are formed obliquely relative to the slit and hinge line 12 to further enhance the rigidity of the tab. The ends of such cuts lie within the adhesive areas which maintain the wall portions 16 and 17 of the overlapped seam together.

Tab 25 and ears 11' cooperate with each other in maintaining closure flap 11 flat against wall 1 to insure a neat, compact and stylish container when closed. While the modified bag embodiment functions most effectively when both tab 25' and ears 11' are provided thereon, those features may be used independently of each other to assist in holding the closure flap against wall 1. Such features are most effective, of course, when used in conjunction with each other because the ears 11 hold the outer end portions of the flap fiat while tab 25' holds the central portion thereof fiat.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the enhanced tear resistance embodied in the modified overlapped seam 13' and its extension 14' in flap 11 will be described. In general respects, the seam is basically the same as the seam described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. However, at least one additional thickness ply is imparted to the modified seam 13 and its extension 14' to further strengthen the bag adjacent the ends of the elongated handle accommodating slit 21.

The additional seam thickness is imparted by reversely folded sections 16 and 17 of the overlapped wall portions 16 and 17 which define the seam. Note specifically FIG. 10. The reversely folded wall portion sections 16' and 17' are interposed between the overlapped wall portions 16 and 17 and extend inwardly toward each other.

To conserve material, such reversely folded sections terminate a short distance inwardly from the generally parallel lateral margins of the seam which are defined by the folded edges created thereby. Thus, the reversely folded sections define lateral marginal edge portions of the seam and in such edge portions the seam is of tripleply thickness.

The reversely folded sections extend inwardly toward each other a distance at least suflicient to insure that the opposite ends of slit 21' defined by cuts 22' and 23' lie wholly within the increased seam thickness area defined thereby. Thus, enhanced tear resistance is insured.

While the reversely folded sections could extend into contact with each other, such expedient would necessitate use of additional bag material which is generally unwarranted in view of the highly effective results produced with the construction as illustrated herein.

While the modified triple-ply seam has been shown in conjunction with the bag embodiment of FIGS. 6l0, it should be understood that the enhanced reinforcement produced thereby also may be employed with the bag embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto. In this regard, while specific embodiments of the bag construction which includes the novel features of this invention have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that such description and illustrations are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting in that the novel features claimed can be incorporated in other modified bag constructions without departing from the spirit of this invention.

We claim:

1. A carrying handle bag construction which includes structure for closing olf the mouth thereof to protect its contents during use, comprising (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining said bag mouth therebetween,

(B) one of said walls having an overlapped seam of at least double thickness extending therealong defined by overlapped wall portions secured to each other,

(C) a foldable bag mouth closure flap, hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof, adapted to be folded downwardly along a hinge line to overlie a portion of the other of said walls to thereby close off said bag mouth along its length,

(D) a continuation of said overlapped seam extending into said flap from said one wall,

(E) a graspable open handle defined by a handle loop secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof so as to be readily accessible for grasping by a human hand insertable therein, and

(F) a handle accommodating slit formed entirely within the increased thickness area defined by said overlapped seam adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded along said hinge line to close ofi? said bag mouth,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the confines of said seam,

(3) said handle being graspable independently of said closure flap when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(G) said seam also includes integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define lateral marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) said ends of said slit lying within said marginal edge portions of said seam.

2. A carrying handle bag construction which includes structure for closing off the mouth thereof to protect its contents during use, comprising 1 (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining said bag mouth therebetween,

(B) one of said walls having an overlapped seam of at least double thickness extending therealong defined by overlapped wall portions secured to each other,

(C) a foldable bag mouth closure flap, hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof, adapted to be folded downwardly along a hinge line to overlie a portion of the other of said walls to thereby close off said bag mouth along its length,

(D) a continuation of said overlapped seam extending into said flap from said one wall,

(E) a graspable open handle defined by a handle loop secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof so as to be readily accessible for grasping by a human hand insertable therein, and

(F) a handle accommodating slit formed entirely within the increased thickness area defined by said overlapped seam adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded along said hinge line to close off said bag mouth,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the confines of said seam,

(3) said handle being graspable independently of said closure flap when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(G) said slit is formed in said one wall adjacent the upper margin thereof but at a location spaced from the line of hinged connection of said flap with such wall,

(H) said slit defining a projecting tab which is engageable with said handle when said handle is positioned through said slit,

(I) said tab lying within the confines of the area defined by said seam,

(J) the engagement between said tab and said handle urging said fiap into overlying contact with said other wall when said handle is inserted through said slit,

(K) said seam also includes integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define lateral marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) the ends of said tab defined by said slit lying within the increased thickness marginal edge portions of said seam provided by said reversely folded sections.

3. A carrying handle bag construction which includes structure for closing off the mouth thereof to protect its contents during use, comprising (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining said bag mouth therebetween,

(B) one of said walls having an overlapped seam of at least double thickness extending therealong defined by overlapped wall portions secured to each other,

(C) a foldable bag mouth closure flap, hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof, adapted to be folded downwardly along a hinge line to overlie a portion of the other of said walls to thereby close off said bag mouth along its length,

( D) a continuation of said overlapped seam extending into said flap from said one wall,

(E) a graspable open handle defined by a handle loop secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof so as to be readily accessible for grasping by a human hand insertable therein, and

(F) a handle accommodating slit formed entirely within the increased thickness area defined by said overlapped seam adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded along said hinge line to close off said bag mouth,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the confines of said seam,

(3) said handle being graspable independently of said closure flap when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(G) a second pair of opposed bag walls interposed between and interconnecting said first pair of walls,

(1) said second pair of walls being collapsible relative to said first mentioned pair of walls, and

(H) means in conjunction with said flap engageable with said second pair of walls for maintaining said flap folded down against said one wall when said flap is positioned to close off said bag mouth,

(1) ear structures formed at opposite ends of said flap as folded integral extensions thereof,

(2) said ear structures also comprising integral extensions of the respective walls of said second pair of walls.

4. A handle bag construction comprising (A) a first pair of opposed bag walls defining a bag mouth therebetween,

(B) a foldable closure flap adapted to be folded over to close off said bag mouth hingedly connected along the upper margin of one of said walls of said first pair of walls as a continuation thereof,

(C) a graspable handle comprising a loop secured to the other of said walls of said first pair of walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof,

(D) a handle accommodating slit formed adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(E) means in conjunction with said flap at opposite ends thereof for holding said flap in overlying contact with said other wall of said first pair of walls when said flap is folded over to close off said bag mouth and said handle is positioned through said slit,

(F) a second pair of opposed bag walls interposed between and interconnecting said first pair of walls,

(1) said second pair of walls normally being collapsed inwardly relative to said first pair of walls,

(G) said holding means including a pair of ear structures which are tuckable into interengagement with said second pair of walls when said fiap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(1) each of said ear structures being connected directly with an associated end of said flap from which it extends and also with an upper margin of an associated wall of said second pair of, walls,

(2) each of said ear structures being tuckable between inwardly collapsed portions of an associated wall of said second pair of walls to maintain said flap in close contact with said other wall of said first pair of walls during use.

5. A bag construction comprising (A) a first pair of opposed bag walls defining a bag mouth therebetween,

(B) a second pair of opposed bag walls interposed between and interconnecting said first pair of walls,

(1) said second pair of walls being collapsed inwardly relative to said first pair of walls and lying generally therebetween when collapsed,

(C) a foldable closure flap adapted to close off said bag mouth hingedly connected along the upper margin of one of said walls of said first pair of walls as a continuation thereof,

(1) said flap being foldable downwardly along a hinge line to overlie a portion of the other of said first pair of walls when said bag mouth is to be closed off, and

(D) a pair of ear structures provided at opposite ends of said flap as integral extensions thereof,

( 1) each of said ear structures being connected directly with an associated end of said flap from which it extends and also with an upper margin of an associated wall of said second pair of walls,

(2) said ear structures being tuckable into interengagement with said second pair of walls when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth to maintain said opposite ends of said flap in close contact with the other wall of said first pair of walls when said bag construction is in use.

6. A handle bag construction comprising (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining a bag mouth therebetween,

(B) one of said walls having an overlapped seam of at least double thickness extending therealong defined by overlapped wall portions secured to each other,

(C) a foldable fiap adapted to close off said bag mouth hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof,

(D) a continuation of said overlapped seam extending into said flap from said one wall,

(E) a handle secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof,

(F) a handle accommodating slit formed entirely within the increased thickness area defined by said overlapped seam adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the confines of said seam, and

(G) said seam also including integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define lateral marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) said ends of said slit lying within said marginal edge portions of said seam.

7. A handle bag construction comprising (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining a bag mouth therebetween,

(B) one of said walls having an overlapped seam of at least double thickness extending therealong defined by overlapped wall portions secured to each other,

(C) a foldable flap adapted to close off said bag mouth hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof,

(D) a continuation of said overlapped seam extending into said flap from said one wall,

(E) a handle secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof,

(F) a handle accommodating slit formed entirely within the increased thickness area defined by said overlapped seam adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the confines of said seam,

(G) said slit being formed in said one wall adjacent the upper margin thereof but at a location spaced from the line of hinged connection of said flap with such wall,

(H) said slit defining a projecting tab which is engageable with said handle when said handle is positioned through said slit,

(I) said tab lying within the confines of the area defined by said seam,

(J) the engagement between said tab and said handle urging said flap into overlying contact with said other wall when said handle is inserted through said slit, and

(K) said seam also including integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define lateral marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) the ends of said tab defined by said slit lying within the increased thickness marginal edge portions of said seam provided by said reversely folded sections.

8. A handle bag construction comprising (A) a pair of opposed bag walls defining a bag mouth therebetween,

(B) a folda-ble flap adapted to close off said bag mouth hingedly connected along the upper margin of said one wall as a continuation thereof,

(C) a handle secured to the other of said walls and projecting beyond the upper margin thereof,

(D) a handle accommodating slit formed adjacent the upper margin of said one wall,

(1) said slit being aligned with said handle to receive said handle therethrough when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth,

(E) means in conjunction with said flap at opposite ends thereof for holding the same in overlying contact with said other wall when said flap is folded and said handle is positioned through said slit,

(F) an overlapped seam extending the length of said one wall and into said flap which is defined by overlapped portions of said one wall,

(G) said slit being formed entirely within the area defined by said overlapped seam whereby said slit is reinforced against tearing by said seam, and

(H) said seam also including integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) the opposite ends of said silt lying within the increased thickness marginal edge portions of said seam provided by said reversely folded sections.

9. The handle bag construction of claim 4 which further includes (H) a tab projecting from said flap into engagement with said handle when said flap is folded to close off said bag mouth and said handle is positioned through said slit,

(1) said slit being generally straight and parallel to but spaced from the line of hinged connection between said fiap and said one wall,

(2) said slit being connected with said hinged line by two oblique cuts which define the opposite ends of said slit,

(3) the engagement between said tab and said handle when said handle is positioned through said slit urging said flap downwardly into close contact with said other 'wall when said handle is positioned through said slit.

10. The handle bag construction of claim 4 which further includes (H) an overlapped seam extending the length of said one wall and into said flap which is defined by overlapped portions of said one wall,

(I) said slit being formed entirely within the area defined by said overlapped seam whereby said slit is reinforced against tearing by said seam.

11. The handle bag construction of claim 10 in which (I) said overlapped seam is maintained assembled by areas of adhesive provided adjacent lateral margins thereof between said overlapped wall portions,

(K) the opposite ends of said slit lying entirely within said adhesive areas.

12. The handle bag construction of claim 11 in which (L) said overlapped wall portions of said one wall which define said seam contact and overlie each other for a substantial part of the width of said wall and for its full length,

whereby said one wall is of at least double thickness over a substantial area of its total width and length.

13. The handle bag construction of claim 10 in which (I) said seam also includes integral reversely folded sections of said overlapped wall portions which are interposed between such wall portions and define marginal edge portions of said seam,

(1) said reversely folded sections imparting at least one additional thickness ply to said seam along its lateral margins,

(2) the opposite ends of said slit lying within the 15 16 increased thickness marginal edge portions of 2,003,697 6/1935 Poppe 229-54 said seam provided by said reversely folded 2,141,752 12/1938 Hoarle 229-44 sections. 2,237,324 4/ 1941 Wolf.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 5,856 1/1914 Great Britain.

1,174,552 3/1916 Du Bois et a1. 1,866,241 7/1932 Vineberg DAVIS T. MOORHEAD, Primary Examiner 

